MedStar’s response statistics and patient outcomes for cardiac arrest victims (patients whose heart has stopped beating and require CPR on scene) continues to be concerning.

Responses in which a patient was found by MedStar crews to be in cardiac arrest were up 55% in May 2020 compared to May 2019.  Of the patients found to be in cardiac arrest, patients pronounced dead on scene by MedStar crews was up 65% for May 2020, compared to May 2019.

MedStar data also shows reductions in calls for heart attacks in May 2020 compared to May 2019. Calls for heart attacks were down 21%

A national survey of over 860 EMS agencies across the country conducted by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians found 61% of EMS agencies reporting a decrease in response volume, with an average decrease of 35%

Area healthcare leaders remind everyone that it is very safe to call 9-1-1, or go to the hospital for acute medical problems.  Hospitals have taken numerous steps to assure patient safety and EMS crews are well prepared to safely intervene for serious medical issues. 

“We are quite concerned that locally and nationwide people are afraid, in some cases, to call 911.  We are experiencing adverse patient outcomes by the patient not calling 911 or delaying the call.  Hospitals and the emergency departments focus constantly on infection control.  Rest assured, it is safe to seek emergency medical care with no fear of contracting COVID-19.  Make the call as we are here to serve you with safe medical diagnoses and treatment,” says Stephen Love, president of the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council.

Don’t be scared to death!  For information on the signs of heart attack and stroke, click here.